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January 12, 2015

This year the Finish Along is being hosted by Adrianne of On The Windy Side and I am joining in hopes that I can finish a few projects this quarter.

I'm keeping it simple and down to just 3 projects because I think that I will have better luck finishing these few than bogging myself down unnecessarily with a long list of possibilities. At least that is what I hope!

First up is the Scrappy Log Cabin I am making for the IG sew along #scrappylogcabinqal.

I have 30 blocks that are 14.5" made completely from scraps. It is funny that I actually began 2014 with an IG sew along. Remember the economy block along? I think it was on both Flickr and IG. It was fun, either way! And I'm joining again this year for the scrappy log cabin sew along.

Economy Block Quilt from 2014 Sew Along

Next up is a quilt I should have done before the end of 2014 as it was a quilt for the Peace circle of do.Good Stitches. With the move and everything I just did not get it done.

This is another disappearing 4 patch (pattern by MaterialGirlQuilts). I love this pattern and the first one that I did was not exactly what I wanted so I gave it another go. The ladies were kind enough to oblige me in doing this one again! Thanks!

Finally, I would love to finish a quilt that I started back in October or maybe September of last year. It is also a disappearing 4 patch using the same tutorial as above. This one is for me and I used some precuts of Fig Tree and Co. fabrics.

I have part of the top sewn together but I plan on adding a border or two. Or possibly three!

Hopefully I can get these projects done! With only three that I am committing to it should be no problem! Maybe I can even squeeze in a few smaller projects that I have been mulling around in my brain. A new pouch for my new phone. A little embroidery project for my One Little Word. Hmmm....I'm getting ahead of myself! Good luck to all who are playing along! I hope you finish all of your projects!

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." ~Romans 8:5-6 ESVlove, Lisa

December 12, 2014

Daily life is finally getting back to normal after moving to a new home. We are now into a homey, California winter, Christmas rhythm. When we left Colorado almost 2 years ago I did not know how much I would miss the seasonal changes weather. I so miss the dark, cold, grey days of winter in Colorado. We did not have them always but often enough and we did love them so. I miss having a fire in the fireplace, hot tea at all times of day and night, mukluks over knee-high socks, and snow! Maybe the missing is more poignant here because we have no chance of snow. We can travel a couple of hours and see the snow but that is a completely different experience than being home while it snows.

Already, this Christmas season has had so many wonderful moments. We are having a grey and cloudy day today, in fact. Rain is forecast tonight and tomorrow and will, hopefully, drench this parched and thirsty land. I would love to see the deluge of rain that is winter here in the Central Valley, at least that is what we have heard winter should be like. Last year was down-right balmy until January. But it is still Christmas. Our real and very fluffy tree is trimmed. Nutcrackers are gathered and standing watch over the dining room scene. And my favorite little tree is decorated with Shiny-Brite baubles and several years worth of handmade tags and ornaments. And still so much I would love to get done. We shall just have to wait and see if it does!

The best family present is that our spunky, sweet, new puppy, Winnie, is going to still be with us. She had Parvo. The vet gave us meds which we administered religiously. We fed her baby rice cereal through a syringe, 2 ml at a time. Water the same way every 2 hours. She was dehydrated and emaciated and so pitiful. Her spunk pulled her through! She still looks very skinny but she is gaining weight. Good news!

Planning to actually sew this weekend. After the chores and errands are complete, I will be having a Hallmark Christmas movie marathon with needle and thread in hand, hot tea close by and maybe some cookie-making! Thanks for those that still come to visit this virtual space! I appreciate it! I truly hope your Christmas is blessed and safe and completely wonderful! God bless!

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." ~1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV

August 22, 2014

Getting things like this complete feels so good. I have been binding quilts for the quilting group from church in Colorado even while living in California. They mail me a quilt, I bind and mail back. These wonderful ladies also make baby gifts like onesies, baskets for new moms, receiving blankets, and totes. This time around they were making tote bags for a local women's shelter and asked if I could make a few. Do you all know how much I love making totes? Well, I do. It is fun and relaxing sewing for me. I tried to make them sturdy and cute but still use up some of my stash fabrics. The oven mitts/tea towels were just for fun extras. Oh, and I did have a quilt to bind, too! Fun stuff! I'm linking these finishes up to Finish It Up Friday at CrazyMom Quilts! Hope everyone is enjoying the last of summer. God bless you!

Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who made us and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. ~Psalm 100:3 (NKJV)

August 1, 2014

I discovered long ago that quilting is therapy for my soul. Of course, hand stitching a binding or applique are or piecing on the sewing machine are all included. Embroidery, when done in such a way that I am not being too critical about my stitches, when I am not comparing my work to that of others, or when I simply do not think too hard about what I'm stitching, that kind of embroidery, is also therapeutic. Lately, I have found that I spend far too much time thinking about all of the beautiful (and perfect!) stitched works that I see in magazines and online. Sometimes this makes me anxious about what I am creating. That was certainly the case with this Valentine project. I had simply wanted to make a project I saw in my own mind that I considered beautiful. As the stitches ran together to make flowers and leaves, I found myself being far too critical of each and every stitch. It was grueling! That is why this project took me so long to finish. I finished it a good three weeks ago but have not been very pleased with it until recently and even now I find myself critiquing the finished product. I wish that I liked it more. But honestly I'm just glad it is done. It is not so bad now. I'm on to another project and have promised myself to not repeat this state of anxiety over perceived perfection (or imperfection in the case of my own stitching). I'm on to learning more about stitching and what makes others' items look so neat and well, perfect. Here's to new beginnings and to Finish it up Friday! Have a great week-end!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ~James 1:12 (ESV)

July 15, 2014

Making littles (as I call them, which are just small projects that can be made in an afternoon) has been my relief not only from the heat but from those intermittent struggles of life. Temperatures in the 100's for days on end, well, makes me want to stay indoors, sip iced tea and give continual thanks for the loveliness that is central air. Plus life goes on even in the midst of hardships so why not make pretty things? That is one of the joys of a quiet hobby like sewing: contemplation and mindful sorting can still take place while hands remain steadily busy. And it does my heart good to produce useful and pretty things. I really had been needing a place to keep my markers and index cards together with the notebook I use them with, so pencil pouches just made sense. Very simple. A patriotic block for Peace in June gave me some little triangles to play with that eventually became a couple of {much needed} new potholders. June/July have had me in that mode of making things for my home. Placemats (from AQuiltingLife for the Simply Small series) made with some new fabrics were a breeze. Plums became jam in the evening hours of a strangely cool day a couple of weeks ago. Potholders, place mats, super moon, jam; these are some of the little things that have been adding up to be a wonderful summer even when life throws something tough at you. The puppy and miscellaneous photos from around my home are for my mom who has not yet been to visit and would like an idea of where we live. There ya go, Mom! That table and chairs is going through a make-over. One chair actually has been transformed and I am trying to decide if I should continue. We shall see. I'll be linking to Fabric Tuesday! Another day I'll show you a big finish that ended up as a mini. Until then, have a wonderful week and be blessed!

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. ~Isaiah 12:2